Let’s be honest here, collegiettes: we probably should have started studying for finals a long time ago. You know that, we know that, but none of us will ever admit that when our parents ask why our GPA has plummeted. Seriously now, your economics final is cumulative, and if you didn’t understand it in class, you probably won’t understand it while you’re taking the exam. But don’t worry, even if you feel way behind, there are still some last minute tricks you can follow while studying.
1. Get a good night’s sleep. This might seem impossible to do, but staying up all night to study really isn’t worth it. Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep the night before an exam.
2. Eat healthy snacks and drink plenty of water. You might be tempted to eat an entire pint of ice cream, but try to control yourself. Eat brain food like cereal trail mix or peanut butter and toast instead.
3. If it isn’t too late, see your professor during office hours. Most professors will be offering additional office hours this week, so if you’re struggling try emailing them to set up an appointment.
4. Use colored highlighters and post-it notes to help jog your memory. Systematically organize your notes, and add some color! Not only will it be less boring to look at, but highlighting certain topics in specific colors might help you visualize your notes during an exam.
5. When writing papers, give yourself enough time to step back and look at it again. Don’t try writing a 12 page paper the night before it’s due. Sure, you’ve probably mastered the art of last minute essay writing, but this way is so much more stressful. Start the paper in advance so that if you hit writer’s block, you can take a break and come back to it later.
6. Reward yourself. Maybe after you finish reading each page you get to eat one M&M, or after each chapter you take a ten minute break. Give yourself things to look forward to, or else you’ll be miserable.
7. Listen to calming music. Classical might not typically be your favorite, but it just might relax your mind and help you focus.
8. Study with friends, but only if they won’t distract you. Having friends around will make you feel less isolated, and prevent you from freaking out alone in your room. However, if you can’t stop yourself from getting off topic when your friends are around, then you’re probably better off alone.
9. Don’t freak out. Breath, stay calm, you can do this. A bad grade isn’t the end of the world. Believe you can, and you’re already halfway there. We have faith in you. Now get out there and show those finals who’s boss!